Mary Regan

Political Reporter

The next administration is starting to take shape - and it is looking slightly differently to what we might have expected

Four-part coalition is beginning to take shape

Six weeks on from the General Election, and we are finally getting closer to the business end of talks to form the next government.

Analysis and Comment • 11 Jan

FG parliamentary party heard that negotiating teams are working as quickly as possible to form a government

FG leader Harris says 'five budget' government is a must

Talks to agree a new programme for government are expected to intensify over the coming days, with Fine Gael leader Simon Harris stating his aim is to form a government that can "deliver five budgets".

Politics • 10 Jan

A look inside the chamber on the first day for the 34th Dáil (pic: RollingNews.ie)

A Bluffer's Guide to the 34th Dáil

Last month's General Election resulted in the biggest ever churn with 64 TDs being elected for the first time, meaning newbies make up more than a third of the 34th Dáil, writes Mary Regan.

Analysis and Comment • 19 Dec 24

Mr Ó Fearghaíl will be hoping that his popularity, and the genial manner he brought to the role will be enough to see him elected in a secret ballot

Ceann Comhairle: Who wears the robes in the 34th Dáil?

As he was being dressed in the Ceann Comhairle's robes in February 2020, having been elected to the chair for a second time, Seán Ó Fearghaíl commented to the Dáil how he "always had problems" putting it on. However will the Fianna Fáil man be having problems with the robe again this time round?

Analysis and Comment • 07 Dec 24

Fianna Fáil looks likely to return as largest party

With seats filling up fast, it is looking likely that Fianna Fáil will return as the largest party following General Election 2024.

Election 24 • 02 Dec 24

Government formation will not be pretty when dust settles

With at least 88 seats needed to form a Dáil majority, and parties likely to be hard-pressed to reach half that number, there are many pieces that need to be put in place to have a functioning coalition.

Election 24 • 30 Nov 24

With a campaign that has told us little and an outcome impossible to predict, the debate will be keenly watched for a moment that could swing this election

5 things to watch in leaders' last televised debate

The final televised debate of this campaign, involving the leaders of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Sinn Féin, is under way.

Election 24 • 26 Nov 24

5 things to watch in the Leaders final televised debate

The final televised debate of this campaign, involving the leaders of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Sinn Féin, will kick off at 9.35pm on RTÉ One.

Politics • 26 Nov 24

Jennifer Whitmore said it raises 'very serious questions' over project management (Rolling News.ie)

Children's hospital resignation raises concern of delays

Concern has been raised about further delays in opening the National Children's Hospital, after reports that interim Chief Executive of Children's Health Ireland (CHI) Fiona Murphy has resigned.

Health • 25 Nov 24

In 1980, Ronald Reagan asked the US public: 'Are you better off today than you were four years ago?'

Sinn Féin focus on cost of living with US election query

"Do you feel better off than you did five years ago?," Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald asked at her party's manifesto launch - a question posed previously by US presidents Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump.

Election 24 • 19 Nov 24